Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1212207
14 PalletCentral • January-February 2020 palletcentral.com Global Expansion in PDS A lot of work in outreach, marketing, and education grew our international presence for PDS. The May 2019 PDS release featured seven additional foreign languages and 20 new global wood species to pallet design. PDS' exhibit at the LIGNA Show in Hannover, Germany, saw increases in new PDS licenses and strengthened our market position in Europe. Multiple PDS training workshops in the U.S., and one in Australia, continue to sell out. Additional support from the Softwood Export Council (SEC) allowed staff to reach markets in Mexico in 2019. For 2020, SEC is supporting PDS workshops in Mexico, with our first event scheduled February 2020 in Guadalajara. Smarter in Messaging, Communications Ongoing communications on what the association is doing on members' behalf is critical to the health and growth of NWPCA. More thoughtful and targeted email communications, and social media, have resulted in higher press release pick-ups, more social shares and engagements; even a reference by anchorman Brian Williams on wooden pallets and the economy made the news. Our work with the renowned experts from FleishmannHillard communications firm has helped NWPCA refine its messaging development and 'crisis communications' preparedness on issues from pallet fires to invasive species. The firm continues to improve our leadership's media relations skillset. Plans include presenting at events more heavily attended by sustainability and purchasing professionals. The association's financial performance and fiscal health remain solid, allowing continued investment in the mission-critical issues facing the industry. • Annual Leadership Conferences and Fall Plant Tours exceed previous year's performance. • PalletCentral editorial excels in relevant content, and readership is growing. • Fiscal health strong, growth continues while advancing and resourcing the mission: y 660+ member companies y 450+ Pallet Design System™ licenses with 1,000+ users, globally y $3.7 million revenue association y $1.7 million Pallet Foundation total assets y $47,000+ PalletPAC reserves Operations